SECURITE DAFRUIT
852 888 5074
P.04
2
from the public.
The aim of the legislation is to provide that monies are applied for the purpose for which they are collected, and that appropriate accounting arrangements are made. A large number of public subscription permits are issued each year by the Director of Social Welfare to a variety of organisations.
I do not think it would be right to view the current controls on the use of loudspeakers in public and the public collection of money as an infringement of cavil liberties. These laws are of long standing and are widely understood, and supported, in the community. Other than in the period immediately after 4 June 1989, when public emotions ran high and a flexible pragmatic approach was quite rightly adopted by the Police, they have been applied consistently and without any particular discrimination. Nevertheless, you might like to know that all existing legislation is currently being reviewed to make sure that it is fully compatible both with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and with the provisions of a Bill of Rights which is about to be considered by the Legislative Council.
Having said all this, I am grateful to you for writing and for your motives in doing so. As I am sure you realise, these prosecutions were in no way politically Motivated. They were, as is normal in our system, brought by the Attorney General acting independently of the executive. I have no hesitation in assuring you of the Hong Kong Government's commitment to civil liberties in the territory. The forthcoming enactment of a Bill of Rights will provide a sound legal framework to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all members of our community are sustained and respected.
This letter is copied to Mr Gary Fan of your Association who also addressed me on this issue in the same terms as your letter of 11 July 1990.
Yours sincerely,
cc: M: Gary Fan
1144 Clay Street
Apt #6,
San Francisce
CA 94109
USA
Zut 2
(Ian Wotherspoon)
For Secretary for Security
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.